(Washington, D.C., January 6, 2009)— B’nai B’rith International (BBI) is
launching an Israel Emergency Fund in response to events in Israel and the Gaza
Strip. Its goal is to raise funds to assist Israeli residents and to help meet
the ongoing personal needs of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers fighting
in Gaza.

“It is imperative that we support both the work being done by the IDF and those
Israeli residents who have been affected by the fighting,” said B’nai B’rith
International President Moishe Smith. “These continuing acts of aggression by
Hamas affect not only the soldiers in battle, but also their families at home
and other residents of Israel.”

Since Hamas broke a six month cease-fire on December 19 and Israel began its Gaza
operation, Hamas has continued to fire rockets on the citizens of Israel. In the
defensive action against Hamas, the IDF has sent ground troops into the Gaza
Strip with the goal of stopping Hamas rocket attacks on Israel. Israel is
dedicating enormous human and financial resources into its ongoing struggle for
peace and security.

“At this moment, when Israel is fighting to protect its citizens, we need to show
our support however possible,” said BBI Executive Vice President Daniel S.
Mariaschin. “We stand by Israel as it defends the safety of its residents and
its borders.”

B’nai B’rith International also opened its Israel Emergency Fund in 2006, when
Hezbollah attacks crippled the lives of many of Northern Israel’s residents.
With money donated to the fund, B’nai B’rith purchased Hebrew-language best
sellers for Israel Defense Force combat soldiers through the “Sifrut for
Soldiers” program, also buying computers, electronic equipment, and inflatable
playgrounds to help improve the lives of those trapped in the bomb shelters.

B’nai B’rith International, the Global Voice of the Jewish Community, is the
oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights, and advocacy
organization. For 165 years, BBI has worked for Jewish unity, security,
continuity, and tolerance. Visit B'nai B'rith
International